Chapter 119: The Live-In Maid and the Boarding School Student

Chapter 119: The Live-In Maid and the Boarding School Student

Part 1

After the end of the exam, leading Aisha and Norn, I returned to our house.

It was a written exam.

It wasn't something that corresponds to your age.

It was an orthodox entrance exam that combines general knowledge and the basic six types of magic.

Targeting all ages.

It's different from the time with me.

Naturally, I guess.

Aisha got full points on her exam.

The culture is somewhat different between here and Milis.

In other words, that means there's a gap between the general knowledge.

Even so, she took full points.

I have nothing to complain about.

Jinas as well was saying if this is how it is when she's 10 years old, then with some conditions attached, she could be a Special Student.

Although, the promise with Aisha wasn't about that.

"Then, just as promised, I'm going to serve Onii-chan, right!?"

After we returned to the house, Aisha declared that triumphantly.

That expression was one full of pride.

"That means you intend to become the house maid? Even though we're family?"

"That's wrong. I'm not going to become the house maid – I'm going to become Onii-chan's maid!"

Her dream for the future is to become Onii-chan's maid.

That is... I really wonder about that.

I can't help the feeling that something is warped.

However, a promise is a promise.

"Alright. Then make sure you listen to whatever I tell you."

"Yes! Looking forward to serving you, master!"

Master, it has a good sound to it.

If it wasn't my little sister saying it to me, I'm sure I'd be getting very excited.

Even though I have a beloved wife.

"Even though I say that, if you think of anything that you want to learn, say it without reservation."

"At that time, does that mean master will teach me all about it?"

Aisha put one of her fingers against her lips and made a flirtatious glance.

I wonder if what she wants to be taught is something erotic.

If she says something like, "Onii-chan... teach me how children are made." I'll go ahead and teach her properly all about sex education.

Of course without eroticism.

"Although, what's with 'master'?"

"Since I'm going to be serving you, it's no good if we don't make the distinction."

Oh? It's honorifics.

"Is the usual Onii-chan no good?"

"That would be mixing work and private affairs."

As expected of someone who earned full points.

She sure knows some difficult words.

Well, it's fine I guess.

Though, I might end up being looked at with weird eyes by Sylphy.

She did take full points after all, I'll let her do as she pleases.

"I understand. In regards to the job, please consult with Sylphy, and decide on it."

"Yes. I've learned the jobs of a maid from my mother. Please leave it to me."

After saying that, Aisha stood up and crossed her arms in front of her body, then deeply bowed her head.

It's the birth of the little sister maid.

Little sister maid.

What a moving impression the sound of those words give off.

Well, she will still be taught as well, so in my previous life it would at most be called, "helping with chores."

Part 2

On Norn's side, they were scores you can't really call good.

According to Jinas, they were average, or maybe even a bit lower for her age, but it seems it's not bad.

Even though I say that, if we were to compare her to Aisha, saying there's no inferiority would just be sugarcoating it.

Well, she did come here after journeying for a year. It was an exam she took soon after settling down, it can't be helped.

I'm sure at least she would have liked a chance to study and review.

Eh, there's no need to rush.

It's fine as long she improves from here on.

Even if she can't become number one, setting average as the final goal is not a problem.

Human society is made up of compromises like that.

It's fine if you're not superior. It's fine if you're just average.

"Norn, which subject do you want to study?"

"..."

Norn didn't respond.

Just continuing with her eyes cast down, averting her eyes with a sullen face...

It seems she still doesn't like me.

I'd like to close the distance a bit more between her and me.

However, well, I wonder what can be done about it.

"I'm not all that familiar with the subjects that can be studied though... If I remember correctly, after studying the common knowledge class work for three years, you're allowed to choose. In our school, there's some pretty interesting lessons you can take. For the time being, try attending for a few years and see if you can find something that you would like to do. If there's nothing, I think it wouldn't be a bad idea to try and specialize in healing magic. Mother was a healing magician as well after all. Since there's few healing magicians around this area, you'll be able to find work in a doctor's office or hospital."

"..."

Since there was no reply, I was just going on and on talking myself.

And suddenly, Norn looked this way.

It was somehow a gaze that wanted to say something.

I kept silent.

"...I want to try living in the dorm."

Norn quietly said that with a nervous tone of voice.

I started to think over those words.

"Living in the dorms, huh."

That's no good.

Though, it'll be simple to just reject it.

However, I'll try thinking about it seriously.

It seems that Norn went out of her way to gather her courage after all.

First off, it's having a 10 year old young girl living on her own.

Regardless of other things, that's too soon.

However, living in a dorm isn't living alone.

Fundamentally, there are two people per room.

Since Norn came over here, she only has a few acquaintances.

She has no friends as well.

If she were to live in the dorm, she might be able to make friends.

I'm sure there are more or less some problems in regards to her age though.

There are kids in that school who start living in the dorms and attending from a younger age as well.

The dorm has some extent of precise rules and is a safe place.

Even saying she's 10 years old, I'm sure she won't be inconvenienced.

I want to get along a bit better with her, but if things continue in this state... I have the feeling that even if we manage to get closer physically, we'll just remain at the same distance emotionally.

In my previous life I was always secluded in my parents' house.

Secluded, rejecting everything.

My family tried making plans for this and that in order to try and close the distance between us.

Fishing using expensive items, bringing delicious tasting things, talking about the future with sweet words.

Each time, I felt like my heart was getting further away from my family.

I got the feeling like I was being treated as an animal.

Rather than living in the same place, seeing each other's faces everyday, and speaking of each other's complexion, living in a somewhat separated place and watching over her from a distance might be the better option wouldn't it?

Isn't it important for each side to mutually calm down and look over things in regards to the other side?

Aisha took on a natural attitude that looks down on Norn.

I've told her to be careful about it, but since the person herself doesn't seem to be self-conscientious about it, the disposition is a bit bad.

I'm sure there's no other option than to try and fix it over a long period.

Being looked down on by Aisha inside the house, continually unable to face me whom she hates...

I don't think I can stand at the top myself, but in this world, I am considered excellent as I go about.

The bitterness of trying to grow up surrounded by superior siblings...

There's no option other than running away from home.

I already know the fate of a young girl who runs away from home.

Being pulled in by a bad man in exchange for letting her stay over, requesting these sorts of things and those sorts of things.

If that's the case, then from the start, it's better to have her stay in a place that is safe I'm sure.

Besides, Sylphy is in the dorms as well.

She stays at home once every three days, but in reverse, that means she's at the dorm two out of every three days.

If a time ever comes up where something happens, I'm sure she can quickly support her.

Fortunately, it seems Norn doesn't hate Sylphy.

I guess the naked socializing on the first day was having an effect.

Yeah, after thinking about it, I don't think it's a half bad suggestion.

Living in the dorms at 10 years old.

I wonder if she can properly learn to be independent and socialize properly.

"I get it. It's fine for Norn to live in the dorm. I'll submit an application."

"Eh!! Onii-chan!?"

The one who raised her voice in surprise was Aisha.

She was making a face like she couldn't believe it.

"Why! Norn-ane's scores weren't good at all!"

Her maid tone from just before had crumbled.

"Aisha??"

"Even though I put that much effort into it! It's no fair for just Norn-ane!"

It's not that sort of problem.

However, looking at it from Aisha's side, it might look like I'm showing favoritism.

In order for her own wishes to be fulfilled, she took full points on the exam.

It could be that during this past week, she's been reviewing and preparing for it in a place where I wasn't watching.

Norn didn't do anything.

And yet, I'm allowing Norn to do as she wants.

That is unfair. It is favoritism.

During times like these, I wonder what my parents said in my previous life.

I can't remember.

For example, listen to what I tell you or listen to what I say. I have the feeling I was told something like that.

I wonder if I was able to agree with that.

I'm sure I wasn't able to.

I wonder about Aisha.

Would she be able to accept it with that way of talking.

I'm sure she wouldn't be able to.

No, she's a superior child.

I'm sure, if I told her what I was thinking, she would understand it.

That's what I think, but that might just be my arrogance.

In any case, I'll try talking to her and see.

"Aisha. It's not like I'm particularly listening to Norn's selfishness. Just, I thought that living in the dorm would be better for her sake."

"But."

"Norn hasn't made any acquaintances since she came over here... Well, I can't really say much myself, since things don't really balance up with me as well. I'm sure you've seen this past week, but it almost looks like breathing has become difficult."

"But, Otou-san said... we should live together with Onii-chan."

Hm.

After being told like that, I feel like I have no choice other than to tie Norn to the house.

No, there's no way that's the case.

There's no way it's better to always do as one is told.

Paul is often mistaken after all.

I can't really say that my decision is correct as well though.

"Of course, I have no intention of abandoning my duty of looking after you two. But, if things continue like this, things won't end up well for Norn. By living in the dorm, she might be able to obtain something."

"..."

Aisha cast her eyes down.

For some reason, those eyes had tears building up in them.

"...Showing partiality to Norn-ane, is it because my mother is a mistress?"

Abruptly, Aisha said those things.

Mistress.

After hearing those words.

I instinctively felt that this is bad.

"By mistress, you mean Lilia-san? Aisha, who told you that? Was it Otou-san? There's no way Norn could have said it right?"

"Mother and also Norn's grandmother..."

Large tears were falling from Aisha's eyes.

Speaking of Lilia and Norn's grandmother, in other words, Zenith's parents' home.

I can't help that Lilia has said it.

She feels one step drawn back in regards to Zenith and I.

It seems she intends to pass things through completely with the position of a maid.

Therefore, it can't be helped if she makes the request for the position to be one step back in regards to Zenith's daughter.

I'm sure Paul would connect with them equally, but by no means does that make them equivalent.

Zenith's parents are nobles.

If I remember correctly, it was a house with a considerable pedigree.

My aunt, Therese, was by no means a bad person.

However, it's not like everyone has a lenient way of thinking about the social position.

In the first place, they have reason to be affectionate towards Zenith's daughter, but if it's Lilia's daughter, then there's no reason to be affectionate.

They're not related by blood after all.

It's not a matter of blaming either side.

It's that sort of culture.

"Is it because I'm only connected half by blood...[sniffle]..."

However, there's no way a child wouldn't be hurt over things like that.

Aisha with her face completely crumpled up started hiccuping.

I might have misunderstood something a bit.

Aisha is a difficult child in Aisha's own way.

"I don't think of Lilia-san as a mistress at all. I feel that both you and Norn are equally my little sisters."

"But... I, gusu... worked hard, studied, and took the exam, Norn-ane is??"

Aisha was appealing while crying between pauses.

After all it seems she studied for it.

Even though there was only one week before the exam.

She was able to take a good score...

"Aisha."

"What is it?"

"You might not understand if I put it into words, but I intend to recognize your hard work. Therefore, I permitted the fact that you don't have to go to school."

"But, you said Norn-ane is allowed to stay in the dorm??"

[Sniffle], Aisha's nasal voice is sounding in my heart.

However, this isn't favoritism.

"In regards to everything, I intend to make decisions based on that time. For example, if you were to say you wanted to go to school starting now or wanted to enter the dorm, I would allow that. But in reverse, if Norn said she doesn't want to go to school, or says she wants to do work around the house, I won't allow that because you got full points on the exam."

After saying that, Aisha bent her lips and kept silent.

And then,

"...I understand."

Having said that, it seems like she still has some dissatisfaction.

However, in the end, she accepted it with a nod.

Norn watched over this situation in a way that she wasn't finding anything amusing.

However, I feel like I can see a bit of the setting.

Zenith's family were looking down on Aisha as an illegitimate child.

And with that, Aisha gave it her best in order to not lose to Norn.

As expected, Paul never made any sort of distinction though...

It seems that in a place I wasn't aware, the relationship between my two little sisters turned into something distorted.

There are no longer any nobles nearby.

There's no one to look down on Aisha.

If I properly keep them company, then with time, things should be resolved.

"For the time being, I'll add a condition onto that. Norn, at least once every ten days, you need to show your face in this house."

After saying that, Norn lowered her eyebrows.

"...For what reason?"

"Because I'll worry."

Also, I have responsibility as the overseer.

I wouldn't be able to show my face in front of Paul if I left her in the dorm and abandoned her there,

"...I understand."

Norn nodded with an unwilling feeling.

Part 3

However, it looked as if it was cut into round slices like sweet bean jelly.

"I saw there was a joint on the portion where the paint wore off, so when I split it thinking that was the case, it became like this."

Zanoba showed me the cross-sections of the arm.

A pattern like a QR code was compactly written on there.

It's a magic circle.

It's completely different from what Nanahoshi draws.

It's a mysterious pattern.

That were different patterns on the cross-sectioned parts.

The back and the front.

The patterns were slightly different.

Even though they were part of the same joint, they were not the same.

"I see... the magic circle was compacted even at the arm. It's interesting that it differs at the surface joints."

It's like seeing the cross-section of meat.

Like a vivid view of a human body cut into round slices.

"Still, I didn't realize there were joints to this."

"Even I wouldn't have realized this if the paint wasn't falling off."

"I see."

Zanoba seemed very excited at making such an important discovery.

I am rather calm myself.

I knew that it couldn't move without applying some special craft to it.

"I see, with that many magic inscriptions written, it can only move so little."

"Oh? Shishou, do you understand these magic inscriptions?"

"Nope, not a clue."

These magic circles, they were only meant to move the arm.

Or rather, if those inscriptions weren't written on the arm, it couldn't be controlled?

Or was it something else?

I wouldn't know unless we researched it.

In any case, this doll was loitering inside the house in the middle of the night, going around and cleaning.

If it found enemies, it would go and eliminate them.

Once it finished cleaning, it would return to the charging station to recharge.

It had that sort of function.

Even a Roomba didn't have that kind of efficiency.

To have an ability like exterminating enemies, that's already like a Roach Motel.

It's not like the doll was completed merely by scribbling inscriptions on its head and body.

I don't want to make a Roomba.

I want to make a moving doll.

I want to see one in action.

If I can make one that moves, it will sell well.

I can probably sell it for a pretty high price.

No, it's not like I want a large sum of money.

I like money as much as anyone, but even if I have a lot of it, it's wasted on someone like me.

Although it's a different story, if I was to make a doll that could restore the honor of the Superd Race...

That was one of my dreams.

Another dream was of having a maid robot.

"There must be a magic circle to control the movement in the head or torso. If you locate it, please 'break' it carefully."

"Yes, Shishou."

Zanoba nodded and wrapped the pieces of the arm and placed it back into the box.

Part 2

Thus, with that kind of discovery, Zanoba came up with a theory.

With that theory in mind he helped Nanahoshi complete her layered magic inscription.

Even though she was about to give up, she successfully summoned something from another world.

I am sure I can complete my maid robot soon.

That reality is not far away.

When that thought comes to me, I become motivated.

Today, like any other day, I headed to Zanoba's laboratory.

My steps were light.

"Zanoba, I'm coming in."

I knocked once, and then I entered into Zanoba's lab.

There was a girl standing there acting as the gatekeeper.

Although not a beautiful woman, it was a woman that I recognized.

"Ooh, Ginger-san, it's been a while."

She had eyed me with suspicion, but when I greeted her, she bowed her head with a straight face.

"If it isn't Sir Rudeus. It's been a while."

A former knight of Shirone, and a bodyguard of the Third Prince Zanoba:

Ginger York.

How nostalgic.

"I had thought about greeting you at least once, but it's been a little hectic."

"Not a problem. In fact, I apologize. I had not thanked you for guarding my sisters without compensation..."

"Thanks to Aisha-dono, our trip was very quick. That is already my compensation."

Ginger waved me in, and I entered the lab.

Zanoba and Julie were working as usual.

Zanoba was transcribing the magic circles, and Julie was chiseling a figurine.

In any case, Julie seemed to be nearly finished, so I went to take a look.

"How is it?"

"Yes, it's almost complete, Grandmaster. What do you think?"

"This Zanoba doll is pretty good. But doesn't he look a bit too attractive?"

"Master is cool."

Yup.

She's still unrefined, but she's got good taste.

She has been learning quickly.

Zanoba was taking a bit more time.

When I looked, Ginger was suddenly looking at me.

"...What is it, Ginger-san?"

"No, it's nothing... just that, you seem to have grown a lot."

"The last time we met was about four years ago I think? Of course I've grown."

Recently, I felt that many people have said that I looked cool.

It could be that my sex appeal was flowing out.

If I hadn't married Sylphy, I would probably have had a harem by now.

No, having a harem would be a disaster in its own way.

It doesn't seem like I can casually raise kids in that scenario.

"Come to think of it, what will you do from now on, Ginger-san?"

"I am thinking of staying by Zanoba's side."

"So you mean to go back to being his guard?"

"Yes, since I have completed my mission."

The mission of guarding Lilia and Aisha.

She was loyal in protecting the both of them, for a mission that spanned many years.

What admirable loyalty.

Zanoba should reward this lady more.

A blessing and duty.

"Zanoba, shouldn't you give her some kind of reward?"

"No, Rudeus-dono, I am..."

"Hmm. You're right. Ginger, is there anything that you want?"

Zanoba asked that question.

Ginger stared in puzzlement.

Surely, she had not received anything from Zanoba up till now.

She thought for a moment, then knelt on one knee with her head bowed down.

Then, she spoke.

"In that case, please allow me to educate Julie. While she is the disciple of Sir Rudeus, to have her work for Zanoba may be slightly rude."

"Very well, I give you permission."

"Yes! Thank you very much!"

Permission to teach, huh.

Different from what I expected.

In the end, it's all for Zanoba's sake, no?

No, it may be that slaves were not meant to receive higher-quality education.

Humans ate the fruit of wisdom and were chased out from the Garden of Eden.

Before obtaining wisdom, human beings were happy-go-lucky and did not have any doubts.

To a ruler, it's good that people under them remained stupid.

That's why slaves don't receive education.

The risk of rebellion would increase.

Although in exchange, their productivity also increases.

Well, it's fine.

It would be troubling if she were to demand a plot of land.

I don't hate a loyal relationship where one doesn't ask for much.

"Now, let's talk about the research. How's it going?"

"I'm thinking of starting on the feet next."

"I was just thinking that as well, but wouldn't it be better to research the inscriptions on the arms thoroughly before starting the feet? Once you break it apart, you can't put it back together."

"Yeah, you're right."

"If we show this to Cliff-senpai or Nanahoshi, they might know something."

Zanoba and I started to disassemble the second arm.

Suddenly, Ginger was standing next to me.

Looking at her, she showed an expression of wanting to say something.

"What is it?"

"Rudeus-dono... Um, even if Zanoba may be comfortable, he's still Shirone royalty. No matter what kind of master-servant relationship you guys have, isn't it impolite to ask in that manner?"

"Hmm?"

Impolite.

Come to think of it, I've been speaking to Zanoba in a casual manner today.

Normally, I think of speaking using honorifics.

But after speaking with Aisha a few days back, I might have relaxed my awareness a bit.

As a retainer, to hear such impolite words directed at her master, she would probably feel irritated.

It can't be helped, guess I'll use honorifics when I am in front of Ginger.

"You're right, I apologize. I've been careless and spoiled by Zanoba's goodwill..."

When I said that.

Zanoba moved.

"GINGERRRRR!"

Zanoba grabbed Ginger's neck.

She was lifted up and pushed against the wall.

It made a loud thudding noise.

Julie was surprised and stopped moving her hands.

"You bastard! Even though Shisho has opened his heart towards me! What are you saying?! Apologize! Apologize to Shisho right now!"

"Guh... uughh...!"

Ginger was in pain.

...Hey.

Hey, she's seriously being choked.

This is overdoing it!

"Zanoba! Zanoba! Let her go!"

When I shouted, Zanoba released his hands.

Ginger's neck showed Zanoba's grip marks very clearly.

She tried grasping at her neck, and her pale face grimaced at the pain.

She couldn't lift her hands. It seems when she was pushed up against the wall her shoulder bones had broken.

I immediately chanted healing magic and healed her wounds.

Ginger knelt in front of me and bowed her head.

"Cough... Cough... Rudeus-dono, I apologize."

She apologized to me.

Even more so, after being strangled...

"..."

I couldn't endure this feeling.

You're apologizing to me, isn't this wrong?

Ginger shouldn't be blamed for this.

I turned to Zanoba.

"Zanoba! Are you an idiot?!"

"Huh...? But Shisho, she selfishly said those things without any regard to our relationship..."

"Even so, just words would have sufficed!"

Ginger had served for a long time.

She had protected my family for four years in foreign lands.

She came all the way back here despite suffering hardships during those years.

However, with just one word of impoliteness, her throat was crushed, and her shoulders were broken.

This was too cruel.

I treasure the fact that he and I get along.

It even makes me very happy.

However, he shouldn't make light of a woman who has remained faithful all this time.

"No, Rudeus-dono, it's fine. Although I had not seen him for a while, Zanoba has grown up splendidly. I am not upset at all."

Ginger said that with a straight face.

...Huh?

Was I wrong?

I had thought she should have been rewarded more.

Was I thoughtless in saying that?

"...Zanoba."

"Yes, Shisho."

"I think that you're a great friend."

When I said that, Zanoba's face lit up.

"However, Ginger has protected my family. Ever since we had parted, for the past four years, she has always looked over them. She's someone I am indebted to. Please don't make light of that."

"I understand Shisho. Ginger, I apologize."

Zanoba made a meek face and nodded.

However, Ginger spoke.

"No, Sir Zanoba. Those words are unnecessary. As I've sworn allegiance to you with my entire being, I will not be discontent even if I were to die. I apologize for my impertinence."

With Ginger's formal attitude, I can no longer say anything.

So this is another form of a master-servant relationship.

If Zanoba was wrong, should I give advice properly?

No, it's fine.

It's not something I should be worried about.

As I don't know the common sense of Shirone's hierarchy, I would just be making a mess of things if I were to cut into this.

Part 3

Putting aside Ginger and Zanoba's relationship, the research on the autonomous doll was going well.

"Now, although I said to focus on the arms, you can proceed at your own discretion."

"No, let's go with Shisho's plan. Rather than breaking it apart and reassembling it, it would be safer to recreate the same arm."

Thus, it was decided that we analyse the arm.

I should get Cliff and Nanahoshi to help out as well.

Otherwise, Zanoba would probably proceed by himself.

Although I wanted to meddle around a bit, it seems like he can handle it himself, so there's no need.

"Please leave it to me. It seems that I am becoming quite talented at this."

"Oh, is that so?"

"Yes, even though I surprised myself, recently, I've been enlightened every day."

Doing his favorite research all day long.

Next to him is a doll making specialist.

So to him, it must be his ideal everyday life.

However, what will happen after he graduates?

Will he be settling down here?

Well, that's not for me to decide.

Even if one of Zanoba's reasons to do so was me.

"Well, keep it up, I'll come by again."

"I'll be waiting for you."

"Please treat Ginger gently."

"Of course."

With that exchange, I left the laboratory.

—

Thus, the research on the doll continued.